| Term . | Description . |
|---|---|
| Shot | Attempting to score points by throwing the ball through the basket. Each successful shot is worth 3 points if behind the 3 point arc, and 2 otherwise. |
| Assist | Passing the ball to a teammate that eventually scores without first passing the ball to any other player. |
| Block | Altering an attempted shot by touching the ball while still in the air. |
| Free Throw | Unopposed attempts to score by shooting from behind the free throw line. Each successful free throw is worth one point. |
| Rebound | Obtaining the ball after a missed shot attempt. |
| Foul | Attempting to unfairly disadvantage an opponent through certain types of physical contact. |
| Turnover | A loss of possession by a player holding the ball. |
| (Shot Clock) Violation | Failing to shoot the ball before the shot clock expires. Results in a turnover to the opponent team. |
| Time-out | A limited number of clock stoppages requested by a coach or mandated by the referee for a short meeting with the players. |
| Substitution | Replacing one player with another during a match. In basketball, substitutions are permitted only during stoppages of play, but are otherwise unlimited. |
| Jump Ball | A method used to begin or resume the game, where two opposing players attempt to gain control of the ball after an official tosses it into the air between them. |
| Period | NBA games are played in four periods (quarters) of 12 minutes. Overtime periods are 5 minutes in length. The time allowed is actual playing time; the clock is stopped while the play is not active. |
| Term . | Description . |
|---|---|
| Shot | Attempting to score points by throwing the ball through the basket. Each successful shot is worth 3 points if behind the 3 point arc, and 2 otherwise. |
| Assist | Passing the ball to a teammate that eventually scores without first passing the ball to any other player. |
| Block | Altering an attempted shot by touching the ball while still in the air. |
| Free Throw | Unopposed attempts to score by shooting from behind the free throw line. Each successful free throw is worth one point. |
| Rebound | Obtaining the ball after a missed shot attempt. |
| Foul | Attempting to unfairly disadvantage an opponent through certain types of physical contact. |
| Turnover | A loss of possession by a player holding the ball. |
| (Shot Clock) Violation | Failing to shoot the ball before the shot clock expires. Results in a turnover to the opponent team. |
| Time-out | A limited number of clock stoppages requested by a coach or mandated by the referee for a short meeting with the players. |
| Substitution | Replacing one player with another during a match. In basketball, substitutions are permitted only during stoppages of play, but are otherwise unlimited. |
| Jump Ball | A method used to begin or resume the game, where two opposing players attempt to gain control of the ball after an official tosses it into the air between them. |
| Period | NBA games are played in four periods (quarters) of 12 minutes. Overtime periods are 5 minutes in length. The time allowed is actual playing time; the clock is stopped while the play is not active. |